Gordonsville is famous for its fried chicken, which was served to passengers of trains stopping in town during the late 19th and early 20th centuries by local women carrying platters of the delicacy on their heads. Nationally-known at that time, Gordonsville's fried chicken earned the town the nickname of "chicken-leg center of the universe".

To celebrate this special heritage, the Town of Gordonsville will hold its Famous Fried Chicken Festival on Saturday May 19, 2018 from 11 am - 5 pm at the Gordonsville Fire Company Fair Grounds. The event will feature a fried chicken and pie contest, wine garden, and numerous craft and artisan vendors. This is a rain or shine event!